Diocese: Diocese of Paterson
Notes:
Accused by Bob Deacon in 2004 of abusing him in the 1960s. Diocesan investigation found insufficient information to determine guilt, though the board found Deacon’s testimony credible, per his canon lawyer, Rev. Kenneth Lasch. Deacon appealed to the Vatican. In 2/05 the Paterson diocese settled with Deacon and other victims for $5M. Bishop Serratelli informed Lasch that “the Vatican upheld [Serratelli’s] decision to exonerate Varettoni,” who continued as pastor of Sacred Heart in Clifton. Retired 2007(?)
Sources:
FatherLasch.com 1.9.06; Statement by Diocese of Paterson 2007; Daily Record (NJ) 10.20.04; Herald News 10.20.04; Newsday 02.10.05; Herald News 02.16.05; Record 02.16.05; http://bishop-accountability.org/